According to the National Traffic Safety Administration, automakers issued 300 recalls for safety-related issues during 2022, affecting millions of vehicles. That figure underscores the importance of putting identification codes on parts and finished products. Without such codes, consumers would not know if their vehicles were safe, and automakers would not know where or when problem parts were made. But, warranty requirements aren’t the only reason to put codes on products. Such codes help manufacturers track inventory, customize assemblies, “marry” subassemblies built on different lines, and ensure that the correct parts are installed in the correct products. Parts that are expected to wear can be identified with a code so customers can easily find replacements. Fortunately, assemblers have many options for marking products. Some, such as labeling, engraving, stamping and pad printing, contact the parts to be marked. Other technologies, such as ink jets and lasers, are noncontact methods. In this section, you’ll find info on technology for creating and reading ID codes and software for processing all the data related to production.

To find all suppliers of Auto ID, Marking, Computers & Software, click one of the sections below.

Photo courtesy Samsung Electronics